Abstract : Stimulated-emission cross sections of Nd3+ at 1.06 micrometers in POCl3, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), calcium tungstate (CaWO4), and two laser glasses (ED-2 and LG55) were measured by studying the laser threshold gain and inverted population. The technique of end pumping with pulsed xenon ion lasers was used with an identical laser cavity for all the Nd-doped samples. A direct comparison of the cross sections in the different hosts was obtained. (Author)